Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State

Kano Govt Defends Protocol Chief Amid N6.5bn Corruption Allegations

Kano State Government has denied allegations that its Director-General of Protocol, Abdullahi Rogo, diverted N6.5 billion from the state treasury, dismissing the reports as politically motivated attempts to undermine Governor Abba Yusuf’s administration ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Director-General of Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature, the government described the allegations as “falsehoods” orchestrated by opposition elements. It stressed that all financial transactions within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are budgeted and follow due process.

The government explained that the Protocol Directorate manages logistics, welfare, accommodation, and the governor’s itineraries for both local and international engagements, as well as hospitality for visiting dignitaries. “Over 95% of the Directorate’s responsibilities involve large financial transactions settled on behalf of the state,” the statement noted.

Opposition Blamed for Smear Campaign

The Yusuf administration accused former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and his allies of financial recklessness, alleging that over ₦20 billion was withdrawn through the Protocol Directorate between February and May 2023. It also referenced previous corruption scandals, including the widely circulated “dollar-bribe” video involving Ganduje.

According to the statement, opposition forces have established offices dedicated to filing petitions to distract the government from fulfilling its campaign promises. “These allegations are part of a politically motivated plot,” the statement read.

Unanswered Questions

Despite the government’s defense, anti-graft agencies maintain that ₦1.3 billion has been recovered from Mr. Rogo’s accounts, with two Zenith Bank accounts frozen under Post No Debit (PND) restrictions. Both the ICPC and EFCC insist that billions were diverted and that investigations must continue.

A Kano High Court recently restrained the ICPC from further probing Mr. Rogo and awarded him ₦2 million in damages, but the commission has vowed to appeal, alleging that the judgment shields a powerful official from accountability.

What Next?

The case now hinges on the appeal process and public scrutiny as Nigerians await clarity on whether the allegations are politically driven or indicative of deeper corruption within the system.